The Trouble With Physics

The Rise of String Theory, the Fall of A Science, and What Comes Next

In this illuminating book, the renowned theoretical physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics -- the search for the laws of nature -- losing its way. Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the public’s imagination -- and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Yet these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding and creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. As Smolin points out, the situation threatens to impede the very progress of science. With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics -- and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead.

Baker & TaylorA theoretical physicist and author of The Life of the Cosmos describes the evolution of modern-day string theory, the flaws in the attempt to formulate a "theory of everything" to explain all the forces and particles of nature and the origins of the universe, and their repercussions for physics and the need to get science back on track. Reprint.

Baker & TaylorA theoretical physicist describes how the current focus on exotic particles, string theory, multiple universes, and other provocative but untested ideas dominates the field of physics and may hinder the progress of science.

Three Roads to Quantum Gravity (2001) is the other book by Lee Smolin I am reading at this time. This one was written in 2006. Both are very clearly written and give me a very good idea on how physicist do their work. I should read all his book at a slower pace. Really helpful to facilitate understanding of this heavy kind of reading for someone with no physics background.